FAQs on Health Spending, the Federal Budget, and Budget Enforcement Tools March 20, 2023 Issue Brief As some policymakers in Washington are pushing to reduce the federal deficit and debt, this brief provides a concise explanation of federal spending for domestic and global health programs and services, which could be part of any conversation about curbing federal spending. These FAQs answer basic questions about health spending and the federal budget and budget enforcement tools, including the debt limit and sequestration.
Medicaid Enrollment among the Unemployed During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond December 13, 2022 Issue Brief This brief reviews what we know about Medicaid enrollment changes during economic downturns, examines unemployment-linked Medicaid enrollments early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, and considers the implications for the unwinding of the national public health emergency (PHE).
Hospital Charity Care: How It Works and Why It Matters November 3, 2022 Issue Brief This issue brief examines the role that hospital charity care programs play in helping patients who are unable to afford their care. It describes how hospital charity care programs work, the amount of charity care that hospitals provide, relevant federal and state regulation, the role of Medicare and Medicaid in helping hospitals afford charity care expenses, and policy proposals related to charity care programs.
2022 Changes to the Public Charge Inadmissibility Rule and the Implications for Health Care May 5, 2022 Issue Brief This brief provides background on public charge, describes the 2019 policy changes and their chilling effects, and reviews provisions of the 2022 public charge rule and its implications for immigrants’ access to health care.
Many Workers, Particularly at Small Firms, Face High Premiums to Enroll in Family Coverage, Leaving Many in the ‘Family Glitch’ April 12, 2022 Issue Brief Data from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey demonstrates that some workers face very high contribution amounts for family coverage, including 12% who would have pay at least $10,000 annually in premiums for a family of four. These are the workers most likely to benefit from a fix to the ‘family glitch’.
Potential Costs and Impact of Health Provisions in the Build Back Better Act November 23, 2021 Issue Brief A summary of 10 of the major health coverage and financing provisions of the current Build Back Better Act, with discussion of the potential implications for people and the federal budget.
Voices of Paid and Family Caregivers for Medicaid Enrollees Receiving HCBS October 8, 2021 Issue Brief To help inform the ongoing debate, KFF conducted four focus groups in July and August 2021 with direct care workers and unpaid caregivers who provide HCBS, assisting seniors and people with disabilities with daily self-care and household activities. These focus groups are not necessarily generalizable to all caregivers, but can provide insight into their experiences to help inform current policy debates.
Most Insurers Participating in the Marketplaces Don’t Expect COVID to Affect Their 2022 Costs July 19, 2021 News Release After a tumultuous year of unpredictable COVID-19 changes to utilization and spending, a review of early rate filings for individual market insurers participating in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace finds that most are expecting a return to normal in 2022 without the pandemic playing a large role. The review of…
Web Briefing: Understanding the Health Coverage and Affordability Provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act March 25, 2021 Event The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act signed into law earlier this month includes a number of provisions aimed at making health coverage more accessible and affordable amid the public health and economic crises created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join KFF at a web briefing to explain these changes and their expected impact on consumers, insurance marketplaces, and states.
How the American Rescue Plan Will Improve Affordability of Private Health Coverage March 17, 2021 Issue Brief This brief explains the various provisions in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that increase and expand the affordability of coverage for people enrolled in Marketplace health plans or COBRA.